Common Sense Media Review
Magic-filled fantasy adventure has monsters, battle scenes.
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Willow
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 27 parent reviews
Parents say the film offers a blend of charming performances and a fun adventure, though it contains significant violence that may not be suitable for young children, with some dark themes and scenes that could frighten sensitive viewers. While there are positive messages about bravery and self-belief, the pacing and some dated tropes may not hold up well for modern audiences.
- charismatic performances
- dark content
- family film
- violence warnings
- dated tropes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the movie's directing and acting are notably poor, with a convoluted plot and overwhelming violence that may frighten younger viewers. While some find it an exciting fantasy adventure, others label it as boring and unsuitable for children due to graphic scenes and questionable messages.
- poor acting
- excessive violence
- not for children
- boring plot
- excitement factors
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WILLOW (Warwick Davis) is a Nelwyn, a short-statured farmer and aspiring sorcerer. His children find a baby, a prophesied princess who's the chosen one to bring down the reign of terror by the evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). The Nelwyn community is frightened by the baby -- which is a Daikini ("big person") -- and they command Willow to return the baby to its kind. But Willow has bonded with the baby, so he's reluctant to give her to the first Daikini adult he meets, a rogue named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer). Eventually the two pair up to save the baby, meeting brownies, a kind sorceress, and other allies along the way.
Is It Any Good?
This beloved 1980s adventure will surely be of interest to any fantasy lover. There's no more violence in Willow than in Harry Potter or Star Wars -- in fact, there's probably less. Directed by Ron Howard and based on a story by George Lucas, it's a great film for kids interested in magical movies.
The story is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and the two brownies (played by Kevin Pollak and Rick Overton) provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles, and, most of all, magic. Don't expect big surprises; it's pretty clear who's good and who's evil. Some kids may want to fast-forward through the fight scenes, but Willow is an excellent choice to give children a taste of fantasy. And hey, if they become fans, they can also watch the TV series, released almost 25 years after the original film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters' choices in Willow. Why did the queen want to kill the baby princess? Why was Willow reluctant to take the baby into his home? Why did Madmartigan help Willow and the baby? What do these choices say about the movie's messages?
Talk about the humor in this movie. How can jokes and silly pratfalls lessen the intensity of violence or peril?
What parts of the movie are created by actors, and what parts are created by computer effects? How can you tell?
How do the characters in Willow demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? What about courage and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 20, 1988
- On DVD or streaming : November 27, 2001
- Cast : Joanne Whalley , Val Kilmer , Warwick Davis
- Director : Ron Howard
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action violence
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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